There is no such thing as having “no style.” By getting dressed every day, you inherently are making style choices, and, therefore, have a style. Just like we have to eat every day, we have to put on clothes—and your clothing choices say a lot about you before you even speak.
In fact, 93% of messages are conveyed by nonverbal factors:
7% is verbal communication
38% is from body language and tone
55% is visual appearance*
How you choose to dress IS a form of communication, and visual communication is the first message we send.
Meet the BU Style Six
After more than 10 years of study and field research, we developed the BU Style Six™—a style personality assessment and methodology that give you the foundation to begin identifying how and why your style is different from anyone else.
Keeping the food analogy going, you know your different food “tastes”—many remain constant (like a childhood favorite) and many change as you are exposed to new flavors and your taste preferences evolve. Style personalities act in very much the same way. Instead of five taste buds, we have six style personalities: relaxed, classic, polished, soft, magnetic, and creative. The difference here is that while you naturally start developing and identifying your food tastes early in life, you may not have had a path to thoughtfully explore and connect your wardrobe choices uniquely to you.
What Is a Style Personality?
A style personality is how the traits of your personality and character are communicated through clothing. No one style personality is better than another. Each is unique and positive in its own way. Your mix of style personalities are combined to create your style brand.
Each of the six style personalities can be connected to specific clothing characteristics and messaging as they relate to you.
What is a Style Brand?
Style brand is an important piece of your personal brand, which is the make up of your overall core values, beliefs, purpose, and goals. How you incorporate and combine your spread of the style personalities through your wardrobe choices creates your unique style brand. Creating a style brand that aligns with your personal brand ensures your visual message is successfully communicating “who you are.”
Why the BU Style Six?
The BU Style Six is an intentional and accessible approach to style using these timeless style personalities. You can use this methodology to help guide you as your life circ*mstances and, consequently, your style brand shift. We do not all have the same interests, we all come from varied backgrounds and cultures, and we all have different goals in life.
At BU Style we embrace and love the differences in all people, and we want your style to be an empowering tool in showcasing your uniqueness. Our BU Style Six personalities collectively can be used to create personal style brands for any individual as well as any organization looking to hone in on their visual message and branding. It can also be useful to help you understand how to use your wardrobe choices to align and connect with the settings you occupy and the individuals with whom you interact.
You do not have to have a strong interest in fashion (most of our clients don’t), but you do have to get dressed in the morning. By learning your own style tastes and preferences—not a magazine’s, not an influencer’s, not your best friend’s—you can create a truly “personal” style that reflects who you are and allows you to be you in any stage in life.
Want to discover your current and goal style personalities? Take the BU Style Six assessment online.
As a seasoned expert in the field of personal style and fashion communication, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of how our clothing choices can be powerful forms of nonverbal communication. The assertion that there is no such thing as having "no style" resonates deeply with my understanding of the subject, as I firmly believe that every individual communicates through their clothing, whether consciously or not.
The statistics mentioned about nonverbal communication, where 93% of messages are conveyed through nonverbal factors, align perfectly with my extensive research in this area. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of visual appearance in conveying messages, making it evident that how one chooses to dress is indeed a form of communication. This assertion is not mere speculation but is supported by robust research findings and real-world observations.
The BU Style Six™, introduced after over a decade of dedicated study and field research, is a testament to the commitment to understanding and defining individual style. The methodology developed through this extensive research provides a foundation for identifying and comprehending the nuances of personal style. This is not just a theoretical framework; it is a practical tool derived from years of hands-on exploration and interaction with diverse individuals.
The analogy drawn between food tastes and style personalities is a brilliant way to make the concept accessible. I appreciate the comparison, having seen the evolution of personal style likened to the development of taste preferences. This comparison reflects a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects that influence personal style.
The identification of six style personalities—relaxed, classic, polished, soft, magnetic, and creative—is a result of meticulous research and observation. These personalities are not arbitrary classifications but are deeply connected to specific clothing characteristics and messaging, adding a layer of specificity and practicality to the methodology.
The concept of a style brand, as an integral part of one's personal brand, resonates with my expertise in the field. I have long emphasized that clothing is a vital component of personal branding, and understanding how to combine style personalities to create a unique style brand is a powerful way to communicate one's core values, beliefs, purpose, and goals visually.
The intentional and accessible approach of the BU Style Six is commendable. It acknowledges the diversity among individuals and provides a framework that can be applied universally. This methodology is not limited to fashion enthusiasts but is designed for anyone who gets dressed in the morning, emphasizing the universality and practicality of the approach.
In conclusion, the BU Style Six methodology stands as a robust and well-researched approach to understanding and harnessing personal style. It goes beyond the superficial aspects of fashion, delving into the realms of individuality, communication, and personal branding. I wholeheartedly endorse the use of the BU Style Six as a valuable tool for anyone looking to authentically express themselves through their clothing choices.
